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The Reality Check

The Reality Check
Artificial Intelligence
Daniel Dennett
Free Will
Consciousness Explained
AI Safety
Neural Networks
Poinsettias
Aliens
Peter Attia
Ufos
Health
Stanford Prison Experiment
Early Mammals
Computational Power
Data Sets
Deep Learning
Nuclear Weapons
Darwin's Dangerous Idea
Elbow Room
Critical Thinking

Canada's weekly podcast that explores a wide range of controversies and curiosities using science and critical thinking.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes400Founded17 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ScienceSociety & CultureNatural Sciences

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for The Reality Check

Latest Episodes

Is the "Disney Point" the bizarre result of certain images of Walt Disney around Disney Parks with cigarettes edited out to give the illusion of a unique pointing style? Adam weighs the evidence. Then Darren gives us a couple of book reviews. First u... more

With Halloween coming up we bring you some spooky segments on zombies and vampires! Darren looks at the thought experiment about philosophical zombies also known as p-zombies. Does this idea make that much sense? Then Adam looks at cases of tuberculo... more

Why does air conditioning seem to be more common in North America than in Europe or other places around the world? Adam looks at the many factors that can encourage or hinder adoption of AC in various places. Darren gives us book reviews on a variety... more

How is intelligence portrayed in works of fiction? In books, films and TV, we often see depictions of very smart of sometimes less intelligent people, but it's never totally realistic. Darren leads a conversation about various fictional portrayals of... more

Key Facts

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Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Owen Clarkin
Tree aficionado and enthusiast
Episode: TRC #715: Mashup: Trees
Joe Nickell
Renowned paranormal investigator and writer for Skeptical Inquirer
Skeptical Inquirer
Episode: TRC #704: Remembering Joe Nickell
Dr. Cheryl Harasymchuk
Associate Professor at Carleton University in the Department of Psychology, expert in intimate relationships.
Carleton University
Episode: TRC #702: Talking Close Relationships with Dr. Cheryl Harasymchuk
Spencer Greenberg
Founder of clearerthinking.org and the Clearer Thinking podcast
clearerthinking.org
Episode: TRC #688: Interview with Spencer Greenberg
Darren McKee
Author, speaker, and AI advisor
Episode: TRC #679: A Chat With Author Darren McKee: Uncontrollable
Yoshua Bengio
Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Operations Research at the Université de Montréal
Montreal Institute for Learning Algorithms (MILA)
Episode: TRC #677: Interview with Yoshua Bengio

Hosts

Darren McKee
Host of The Reality Check with expertise in critical thinking and skepticism, providing insights on a wide array of societal and scientific topics.
Adam Gardner
Co-host of The Reality Check, known for his discussions on science, technology, and critical thinking.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 530 ratings
  • Delete

    Delete

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MarkChicagoIL
    United States2 months ago
  • Don’t waste your time

    Disrespectful to non-paid guests.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Mx. Smith
    Canada9 months ago
  • Canadian Girl

    What happened to the Canadian girl that was part of this Canadian show?

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MarkChicagoIL
    United States2 years ago
  • Inflation, blah, blah, blah

    The inflation episode was stupid. I wanted more about John VN.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    MarkChicagoIL
    United States3 years ago
  • Great Podcast for the critical thinker

    Fantastic podcast driven by dedicated critically minded hosts. It’s been one of my favorite podcasts for years.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    sc_78
    United States4 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some reviews cite a left-leaning bias, which can detract from the experience for those seeking more balanced perspectives.
Listeners appreciate the blend of humor and critical thinking, claiming the content is both educational and entertaining.
Some listeners noted that the content can sometimes gloss over more controversial subjects, preferring lighter analysis over deeper critiques.
Many find the hosts relatable and engaging, comparing them to friends sharing insightful and intelligent discussions on varied topics.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

TRC #715: Mashup: Trees
Q: Is the Amazon rainforest the lungs of the earth?
No, the Amazon produces oxygen but uses it through respiration, meaning it doesn't significantly contribute to the net oxygen supply for Earth.
TRC #702: Talking Close Relationships with Dr. Cheryl Harasymchuk
Q: Do you have any tips on how couples can continue to have quality time and activities while dealing with challenges of parenthood?
Adjust your expectations, find playful moments in daily life, and make an effort to set aside couple-only time when possible.
TRC #702: Talking Close Relationships with Dr. Cheryl Harasymchuk
Q: What have you found in your research?
On days when people play together by engaging in an exciting activity, they and their partners report greater relationship satisfaction and lower boredom that day.
TRC #702: Talking Close Relationships with Dr. Cheryl Harasymchuk
Q: What is your area of research and what questions drive you and your work?
I'm interested in what contributes to relationship satisfaction in established relationships and how couples fend off boredom in these established relationships.
TRC #700: The Rise of Podcasts + Are False Beliefs More Common?
Q: Have false beliefs become more common over time?
This episode analyzes the changes in belief regarding various scientific concepts and discusses how the internet and other media may have influenced these beliefs.

Audience Metrics

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Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Reality Check

What is The Reality Check about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A Canadian weekly podcast that provides insights into various controversies and curiosities through the lens of science and critical thinking. The hosts engage in lively discussions on topics ranging from current events, technological advancements, and societal issues to reviews of books that challenge conventional wisdom. Known for its blend of humor and intellectual discourse, it also features special segments that debunk myths while emphasizing the importance of skepticism in understanding complex issues. The emphasis on critical thinking and a diverse range of subjects makes it appealing for listeners who appreciate a nuanced understanding of various phenomena in society and culture.

Where can I find podcast stats for The Reality Check?

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What are the audience demographics for The Reality Check?

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How many subscribers and views does The Reality Check have?

To see how many followers or subscribers The Reality Check has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to The Reality Check?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Reality Check:

1. Skeptoid
2. Skeptics with a K
3. Big Picture Science
4. The Scathing Atheist
5. MonsterTalk

How many episodes of The Reality Check are there?

The Reality Check launched 17 years ago and published 400 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Reality Check?

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What guests have appeared on The Reality Check?

Recent guests on The Reality Check include:

1. Owen Clarkin
2. Joe Nickell
3. Dr. Cheryl Harasymchuk
4. Spencer Greenberg
5. Darren McKee
6. Yoshua Bengio

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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